Apparatus for obtaining growth factors

ABSTRACT

A reservoir is supported by a base in a vertical position. A reciprocating member is positioned in the reservoir forming an internal chamber. The chamber receives growth factor starting material through an inlet in the reciprocating member. After the inlet is sealed, the reciprocating member increases the volume of the chamber to apply negative pressure to the growth factor starting material within the chamber to produce activated growth factors. The activated growth factors are extracted from the chamber through an outlet in the reciprocating member. Optionally, the growth factor starting material is held in the chamber to separate into fractions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/462,942 filed on Aug. 12, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,454,907 issuedJun. 4, 2013.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an apparatus for extracting and isolatinggrowth factors from platelets and, more particularly, method, apparatus,and kit for obtaining a wound healing composition of growth factorsreleased from mammalian platelet membranes for use in wound healing andother therapeutic uses.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Various devices for collecting and utilizing blood, blood products,plasma, platelets, bone graft materials, and other similar substancesare known. U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,071 discloses a method and apparatus forpackaging, reconstituting, and delivering bone graft material. Thedevice includes a first container and a second container. The firstcontainer maintains the bone graft material at a vacuum, while providinga favorable negative pressure during reconstitution. The device alsoreconstitutes bone graft under a negative pressure when a reconstitutingliquid is injected into a container that is separated from a secondcontainer by a gas permeable membrane.

Devices for collecting blood, blood products, plasma, and plateletsinclude devices that are used in the autologous transfusion of blood,autotransfusion systems, cardiotomy reservoirs, and other similarsystems. Several patents and patent publications disclose devices orsystems for collecting blood that include chambers that have the abilityto communicate with vacuum sources.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,778 discloses a system for withdrawing blood. Thesystem includes a rigid canister that connects to a vacuum source, atubing set that includes a stopcock, and a source of anticoagulant thatconnects to the tubing set. Canadian Patent No. 2,235,722 discloses arigid canister.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,646 discloses a device that is used in theautologous transfusion of blood. The device includes a collecting tankand a vacuum source that connects to the collecting tank.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,700 discloses an autotransfusion system including arigid receptacle carrying a blood collection bag internally and amanually operable portable vacuum source (MOPVS) also carried by therigid receptacle. The system may be configured in a blood collectionmode wherein the MOPVS is in flow communication with the interstitialspace between the collection bag and the rigid receptacle to cause anegative pressure therein to draw blood from the patient's wound. In areinfusion mode, the MOPVS is disconnected from the rigid receptacle andis directly connected to the drain tube leading to the patient to drainunwanted fluid from the patient's wound. The rigid receptacle isinverted and connected to a transfusion line to reinfuse the bloodcollected within the blood collection bag. The interstitial space isvented to ambient pressure such that the blood within the collection bagis reinfused under force of gravity alone. A hydrophobic vent isconnected to the flexible collection bag to vent air collected withinthe bag to the interstitial space.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,374,257 and 5,484,428 disclose a fluid collectioncontainer for collecting blood under the influence of a vacuum. Thefluid collection container includes a rigid front wall and a flexiblerear wall. In a distended configuration, liquid and gaseous fluid flowfrom the body cavity or wound being drained under the influence ofvacuum into the collection container. In a collapsed configuration, theflexible rear wall is foldable relative to the rigid front wall to allowthe collected liquid fluids to be reinfused to the patient.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,768,653 discloses a cardiotomy reservoir for recoveringpatient blood in a surgical procedure. The reservoir includes a uniformtubular case having a base plate and a top plate that provide anenclosed reservoir volume. A blood inlet conduit provides blood to thereservoir. A filtered air exit conduit allows air to flow out of thereservoir. All of the components are physiologically compatible withpatient blood.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0109716 discloses a blood collectionand separation system. The system has the ability to connect to a vacuumsystem.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,439 discloses a blood collection reservoir andfilter device. The device connects to a vacuum source.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,613,035 discloses an autotransfusion system thatincludes a collection chamber and a vacuum source.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,164 discloses an apparatus for handling a patient'sblood during a medical procedure having a reservoir.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0142707 discloses a system that is usedfor autologous normovolemic hemodilution. The system includes a canisterthat holds a bag for collecting blood. The canister includes an inletthat communicates with a vacuum source for evacuating the space betweenthe bag and an internal wall of the canister.

Blood, blood products, plasma, platelets, and other similar substancesare very important to the wound healing process. The wound healingprocess is generally considered to occur in several stages, generallyknown as the healing cascade. After tissue injury, platelets are amongthe first cells to appear in the vicinity of the wound. Activation of aplatelet by an agonist, such as thrombin, or other agonists known in theart, leads to the release of granule material from within the platelet.Such granulation activation results in the release of proteins known asgrowth factors, primarily concentrated in the alpha granules ofplatelets. Released growth factors stimulate the formation of newtissue.

When applied to wounds, growth factors are known to increase the rate ofcollagen laydown, vascular ingrowth, fibroblast proliferation andoverall healing. The release of a protein known as platelet-derivedgrowth factor (PDGF) is a chemotactic signal for monocytes, neutrophilsand fibroblasts which then move into the wound to begin the inflammatorystage of the healing process. During this time, monocytes secrete anumber of factors, including PDGF and transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1) (also found in platelets). In this manner fibroblasts areactivated to begin the repair stage of the healing process.Subsequently, wound healing continues through the process of collagenremodeling within the wound.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” refers to the amount oramounts of the constituent bioactive elements or combination thereofnecessary to enhance wound healing. Examples of wound healing includethe reduction in the volume or surface area of a wound, the increase inthe amount of granulation tissue or other biological materialfacilitating collagen laydown, vascular ingrowth, fibroblastproliferation or overall healing.

Several patents and patent applications are directed to negativepressure therapy, which utilizes growth factors that are naturallypresent in a wound to promote wound healing. U.S. Pat. No. 6,071,267discloses a fluid management interface system. The system includes asubsystem that functions to extract fluids, including the patient'sblood, serum, etc., from an interface system. The subsystem alsointroduces various fluids, such as antibiotics, analgesics and growthfactors into the interface system. The system also communicates with avacuum source.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,636,643, 5,645,081, 7,198,046, and 7,216,651 disclose amethod for treating tissue damage with negative pressure to a wound. Themethod utilizes a fluid impermeable wound cover that is sealed over awound site. A screen in the form of an open-cell foam screen or a rigidporous screen is placed between the wound cover and the wound. A vacuumpump supplies suction to the wound cover over the treatment site.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,534,240 and 7,553,306 disclose a method and apparatusfor treating a wound using negative pressure therapy. The method andapparatus utilizes a foam pad that is in fluid communication with avacuum source. The foam pad is predisposed with basic fibroblast growthfactors or other factors.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0115952 discloses a biocompatible wounddressing that is used in negative pressure therapy. The wound dressingincludes a biocompatible pad and an air-tight seal. The pad must be influid communication with a negative pressure source.

U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2009/0012482 and 2009/0076467 disclose adevice that is used in negative pressure therapy. The device includes asealant layer that encloses a wound and a suction apparatus that reducesthe pressure within the enclosure. Optionally, the device includes acollection chamber that is designed to collect exudate or necroticdebris.

It is known to use activated autologous platelets as a treatment in anumber of medical and surgical procedures, including but not limited tooral and maxillofacial surgery, orthopedic surgery, cosmetic andreconstructive surgery, chronic tissue repair, sports medicine injuries,neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery, podiatry, hair transplant surgery,medical research, tissue engineering, and non-surgical cellular therapy.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,957,742 and 6,649,072 disclose wound healingcompositions that include platelet enriched plasma which prior to use isactivated by thrombin to release growth factors from the alpha granulesof the platelets.

Unlike negative pressure therapy, which is an in vivo process, there issome interest in extracting platelets or other similar substances fortherapeutic purposes. However, extracting therapeutic levels ofplatelets has been a technical challenge requiring trainedcardiovascular perfusionists to operate the equipment originallydesigned for the production of platelet rich plasma (PRP). The clinicalpractitioner now has access to more simplified equipment that allows himto process PRP with smaller amounts of whole blood in a shorter amountof time. Venous access, clinical expertise, and cost are stillchallenges that have limited the widespread use of this processthroughout the world. Moreover from a commercial standpoint, woundhealing compositions that include platelets must meet costly FDAguidelines applicable to blood products.

Growth factors are responsible for the wound healing process, asdescribed above. Platelets function merely as carriers for the growthfactors. Therefore, there is a need for an inexpensive and efficientprocess for extracting and isolating growth factors from the plateletscontained in plasma for subsequent use in wound healing. The finalproduct preferably may be free of other components that are typicallyfound in conventional platelet enriched wound healing products, namelythe platelets themselves, ghost platelets, white blood cells, red bloodcells, bacteria, and other cellular debris.

It is further desirable to prepare a wound healing product that can besubjected to conventional preservations, such as lyophilization, freezedrying, and cryopreservation in a process that does not destroy thegrowth factors. In this manner the shelf life of the product would beprolonged.

Therefore, there is a need for a process for isolating and extractinggrowth factors in a non-destructive manner from platelets. The resultingcomposition may or may not be substantially free of other components,such as platelets, ghost platelets, white blood cells, red blood cellsand bacteria, and can be used immediately fresh or lyophilized or freezedried into a shelf-stable product for subsequent use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is provided an apparatusfor obtaining growth factors that includes a reservoir having an openend portion and a closed end portion. A plunger mechanism is positionedin the reservoir to define a chamber for receiving growth factorstarting material between the plunger mechanism and the reservoir closedend portion. The plunger mechanism includes a lower section having ahead with a tip extending outwardly on the head. The plunger mechanismis movable to selected positions within the reservoir relative to theclosed end portion to increase and decrease the volume of said chamber.A throughbore extends through the plunger mechanism for communicationwith the reservoir. The throughbore has at one end an inlet extendingout of said reservoir to receive growth factor starting material and atan opposite end an outlet extending through the head. The throughboreoutlet communicates with the chamber in the reservoir closed end portionfor supplying the chamber with growth factor starting material. The headtip at the plunger mechanism lower section contacts the reservoir closedend portion to minimize the volume of the chamber before the growthfactor starting material is supplied to the chamber.

Further in accordance with the present invention, there is providedapparatus for extracting growth factors from growth factor startingmaterial that includes a reservoir having an open end portion and aclosed end portion. A plunger mechanism is positioned in the reservoirto define a chamber for receiving growth factor starting materialbetween the plunger mechanism and the reservoir closed end portion. Theplunger mechanism is movable to selected positions within the reservoirrelative to the closed end portion. The plunger mechanism includes alower section having a head with a tip extending outwardly on the head.A sealable throughbore extends the plunger mechanism for communicationwith the reservoir. The throughbore has at one end an inlet extendingout of the reservoir to receive growth factor starting material and atan opposite end an outlet extending through the head. The throughboreoutlet communicates with the chamber in the reservoir closed end portionfor supplying the chamber with growth factor starting material. Thethroughbore forms a flow path through the plunger mechanism to thechamber for the injection of growth factor starting material from theinlet to the outlet of the throughbore to accumulate in the chamber andraise the plunger mechanism as the head maintains contact with thegrowth factor starting material.

Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided amethod for obtaining activated growth factors that includes the steps ofpositioning a reciprocating member in an open end of a reservoir to forma chamber below the reciprocating member within the reservoir. Growthfactor starting material is injected into the chamber. The reciprocatingmember is moved in the reservoir to a position to increase the volume ofthe chamber to create negative pressure for application on the growthfactor starting material to produce activated growth factors in thechamber. Activated growth factors are extracted from the chamber.

Accordingly, a principal object of the present invention is to provide amethod and apparatus for releasing growth factors from growth factorstarting material for use in wound healing medical procedures.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus thatseparates growth factors from platelets and preserves the growth factorsin a concentration for improved wound healing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus forpreparing a wound healing composition that includes growth factorsreleased from a starting material in a bioactive state for enhancingtissue growth.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method thatutilizes an apparatus for releasing growth factors from growth factorstarting material for use in wound healing medical procedures.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a kit forreleasing growth factors from growth factor starting material for use inwound healing medical procedures.

These and other objects of the present invention will be more completelydisclosed and described in the following specification, accompanyingdrawings, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view in side elevation of an assembled extractor.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the assembled extractor shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view in side elevation of a plunger for use in theassembled extractor shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view in side elevation of a reservoir for use inthe assembled extractor shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the reservoir shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary isometric view of the assembled extractor shownin FIG. 1, illustrating the flow of blood into the assembled extractor.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary isometric view similar to FIG. 6, illustratingreciprocal movement of a plunger in the assembled extractor to expandthe volume of an internal chamber to create negative pressure therein.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view in side elevation of the assembled extractor,illustrating the injection of blood into the assembled extractor from asyringe.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view in side elevation of the assembled extractor,illustrating the raising of a plunger within the assembled extractor tocreate negative pressure in a chamber to activate growth factors in theblood in the chamber.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view in side elevation of the assembledextractor, illustrating the separation of platelet rich plasma (PRP)from red blood cells within the extractor due to gravity.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view in side elevation of the assembledextractor, illustrating the extraction of a PRP fraction containingactivated growth factors from the assembled extractor using a syringe.

FIG. 12 is an exploded sectional view in side elevation illustration ofthe assembled extractor, the separation of a syringe from the assembledextractor following the extraction of the PRP fraction.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1-5, there is shownan assembled extraction apparatus or extractor generally designated bythe numeral 10. The extractor receives a quantity of growth factorstarting material and subjects the growth factor starting material tonegative pressure or a vacuum to activate the growth factors therein.Once the growth factors have been activated, the growth factors areremoved from the extractor 10, as shown in FIGS. 8-12. Optionally, theextractor 10 uses gravity to separate the growth factor startingmaterial into fractions with at least one of the fractions including theactivated growth factors.

The extractor 10 is particularly adapted for use in a process forremoving growth factors from a growth factor starting material, such asthe process that is disclosed in pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/459,911, which is incorporated herein by reference. The growthfactor starting material preferably includes platelets for subsequentuse in wound healing, either alone or in combination with other woundhealing components. With known prior art methods, platelet concentratedplasma products are prepared through multistep processes and thensubsequently activated with thrombin or collagen prior to use to releasethe growth factors from the platelets' alpha granules. In contrast, theprocess of the present invention allows for the separation of growthfactors from concentrated platelets without the need to use thrombin foractivation. Consequently, fewer steps are required to isolate the growthfactors. After the separation process, the growth factors are releasedin a bioactive state in a nondestructive medium, such as plasma, sterilewater, saline, and the like. In a bioactive state the released growthfactors have a positive reaction on living tissue and enhanced woundhealing.

As used herein, growth factor refers to any material or materials havinga positive reaction on living tissues, such as promoting the growth oftissues. Exemplary growth factors include, but are not limited to,platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), platelet-derived angiogenesisfactor (PDAF), vascular endotheial growth factor (VEGF),platelet-derived epidermal growth factor (PDEGF), platelet factor 4(PF-4), transforming growth factor beta. (TGF-B), acidic fibroblastgrowth factor (FGF-A), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-B),transforming growth factor A (TGF-A), insulin-like growth factors 1 and2 (IGF-1 and IGF-2), B thromboglobulin-related proteins (BTG),thrombospondin (TSP), fibronectin, von Wallinbrand's factor (vWF),fibropeptide A, fibrinogen, albumin, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1(PAI-1), osteonectin, regulated upon activation normal T cell expressedand presumably secreted (RANTES), gro-A, vitronectin, fibrin D-dimer,factor V, antithrombin III, immunoglobulin-G (IgG), immunoglobulin-M(IgM), immunoglobulin-A (IgA), a2-macroglobulin, angiogenin, Fg-D,elastase, keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), epidermal growth factor(EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF),fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), KeratinocyteGrowth Factor-2 (KGF-2), and combinations thereof. One of the importantcharacteristics common to the above listed growth factors is that eachsubstance is known or believed to have a positive reaction on livingtissue, known as bioactivity, to enhance cell or tissue growth.

It should be understood herein that growth factor starting materialsinclude, but are not limited to, platelets, platelet rich plasma, wholeblood, bone marrow, umbilical cord fluid and combinations thereof. Forimproved clinical use of growth factors, it is important that the growthfactor starting material not be frozen prior to separation of the growthfactors from platelets. Preferably, all embodiments of the presentinvention are assumed to produce at least therapeutically effectiveamount(s) of constituent substances or combinations thereof to possessthe above positive bioactive properties. The processes for obtaining thegrowth factors should be performed above freezing temperatures,preferably room temperature.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the extractor 10 includes a container orreservoir 12, an essentially t-shaped reciprocating member 14, and aremovable cap 16. The reservoir 12 has an open end portion 18 and aclosed end portion 20. The reciprocating member 14 inserts into the openend portion 18 to move back and forth relative to the closed end portion20 within the reservoir 12. The reciprocating member 14 and thereservoir closed end portion 20 define a chamber 22 of varying volumewithin the reservoir 12.

The reciprocating member 14 includes a throughbore 24 that serves as asealable inlet for introducing growth factor starting material into theextractor 10. The throughbore 24 extends through the reciprocatingmember 14 vertically to communicate with the reservoir 12 so that thegrowth factor starting material flows through the reciprocating member14 into the chamber 22. The throughbore 24 also facilitates aspirationof the chamber 22.

Once growth factor starting material is inserted into the chamber 22,the cap 16 is positioned on the reciprocating member 14 to close thethroughbore 24 to seal the chamber 22. The cap 16 includes a cap portion26 to cover the throughbore 24 in a sealed position. The cap 16 alsoincludes a retaining line or tether 28 that connects the cap 16 to theextractor 10 when the cap 16 is not in a sealed position.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a device generally designated by the numeral 30moves the reciprocating member 14 to a predetermined position within thereservoir 12 to increase the volume of the sealed chamber 22. Theextractor 10 includes a locking mechanism 32 that holds thereciprocating member 14 in the predetermined position to act as apetcock. Preferably, the device 30 raises the reciprocating member 14vertically to increase the volume of the sealed chamber 22. As shown inFIG. 2, once the device 30 raises the reciprocating member 14 to apredetermined height, the device 30 rotates the reciprocating member 14to engage the locking mechanism 32.

In the raised position, the device 30 applies a negative pressure to thegrowth factor starting material within the sealed chamber 22, whichproduces activated growth factors therein. The activated growth factorsremain in the growth factor starting material until they are extractedfrom the reservoir 12.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the throughbore 24 also functions as an outlet tofacilitate removal of the activated growth factors from the extractor10. The throughbore 24 communicates with the chamber 22 to allowactivated growth factors to flow from the reservoir 12 through thereciprocating member 14 after the cap 16 has been removed to unseal thechamber 22. In the preferred embodiment, a predetermined fraction of thegrowth factor starting material having the activated growth factorstherein is removed for a specific application with the remainingfractions being used in other applications or being discarded.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the reciprocating member 14 includes a plungermechanism 34 and the device 30. The plunger mechanism 34 has anelongated plunger 36 that frictionally engages the reservoir 12. Theplunger mechanism 34 also includes a groove 38 that receive an o-ring 40shown. The o-ring 40 maintains the seal within the reservoir 12.

Referring to FIG. 3, the device 30 includes a handle 42 that applies aforce to raise or lower the reciprocating member 14 within the reservoir12. The throughbore 24 extends vertically through the handle 42 and theplunger mechanism 34 to communicate with the reservoir 12.

The reciprocating member 14 includes the integrally connected handle 42and plunger mechanism 34. In the preferred embodiment, the handle 42 andthe plunger mechanism 34 are formed separately and are connectedintegrally and permanently through conventional joining processes.Alternatively, the handle 42 and the plunger mechanism 34 are formed asa single unit.

The handle 42 is a tee handle having an essentially cubic tubular centersection 44 that connects to the plunger mechanism 34 and a pair ofessentially flat wings 46, 48 that extend outwardly from the centersection 44 to facilitate gripping of the handle 42. The center section44 is recessed relative to the wings 46, 48.

As shown in FIG. 3, the center section 44 includes an essentiallycylindrical, tubular projection 50 that extends upwardly from the handle42. The throughbore 24 extends downwardly through the tubular projection50 and the handle 42 to communicate with the plunger mechanism 34. Thetubular projection 50 includes a conventional connecting mechanism thatconnects to the cap 16 shown in FIGS. 1-2. Preferably, the cap portion26 includes a male luer lock connector for inserting into a female luerlock connector in the tubular projection 50 to connect the cap 16 to thehandle 42 and seal the throughbore 24.

Once the cap 16 connects to the handle 42 to seal the throughbore 24,the handle 42 has the ability to move the plunger mechanism 34 in avertical direction to expand the volume of the chamber 22 in thereservoir 12 in the FIGS. 1-2. The handle 42 raises the plungermechanism 34 to increase the volume of the chamber 22 and lowers theplunger mechanism 34 to decrease the volume of the chamber 22. When thechamber 22 is sealed, the increase in the volume of the chamber 22applies negative pressure to activate growth factors within the growthfactor starting material held in the chamber 22.

The movement of the handle 42 and the plunger mechanism 34 is generatedthrough any manual or motorized source (not shown). Preferably, themovement of the plunger mechanism 34 is facilitated through manualmanipulation of the handle 42.

As shown in FIG. 3, the plunger mechanism 34 includes a tapered uppersection 52, a middle section 54, and an essentially disc-shaped lowersection 56. The throughbore 24 extends through the upper section 52, themiddle section 54, and the lower section 56 to communicate withreservoir 12 shown in FIGS. 1-2.

As shown in FIG. 3, the upper section 52 and the middle section 54 ofthe plunger mechanism 34 are formed from a pair of essentially flatplates or bars 58, 59 that intersect one another perpendicularly mannerto form an essentially x-shaped or crossed horizontal cross section.Each bar 58, 59 includes a pair of slots 60, 61 that form part of thelocking mechanism 32 shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the plunger member lower section 56 includes a disc62 that forms a head on the plunger 36 and a tip 64 that extendsoutwardly from an extreme end of the plunger 36. The o-ring 40 shown inFIG. 1 is positioned above the disc 62. The o-ring 40 and the plungertip 64 maintain a seal as the disc 62 moves vertically within thereservoir 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, the tip 64 includes an essentially inverted domeshaped, concave recess 66 that communicates with the throughbore 24 andthe reservoir 12. In the preferred embodiment, the concave shape of therecess 66 facilitates the extraction of a preferred fraction of thegrowth factor starting material that includes the activated growthfactors.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, there is shown the reservoir 12 that is usedin the extractor 10 shown in FIGS. 1-2. The reservoir 12 has anelongated body 68 extending from the open end 18 to the closed end 20and a mount 70 projecting outwardly from the closed end 20. The mount 70provides means for holding the reservoir 12 in a fixed position toprovide support and stabilization.

As shown in FIG. 4, the reservoir body 68 is essentially cylindrical andtubular with a cavity or receptacle 72 extending from the open end 18essentially to the closed end 20. The body 68 has an essentiallyconstant outer diameter along its length and the cavity has anessentially constant inner diameter.

As shown in FIG. 5, the reservoir open end 18 includes an essentiallyflat, circular disc-shaped edge 74 that retains the reciprocating member14, shown in FIGS. 1-2, in the receptacle 72. The edge 74 prevents thereciprocating member 14 from sliding out of the receptacle 72 to preventthe spillage of blood from the reservoir 12.

The edge 74 is connected to the reservoir body 68 through conventionalconnection methods. Preferably, the edge 74 is integrally andpermanently connected to the reservoir body 68. In such a connection,the edge 74 is formed by connecting a separately formed disc 76 throughconventional permanent connecting methods, such as sonic welding, sothat the reservoir and the reciprocating member 14 are provided in theirassembled form.

As shown in FIG. 5, the edge 74 includes a plurality of mating slots 78that project outwardly from a central bore 80. The slots 78 form anx-shaped pattern in the disc 76 that form part of the locking mechanism32 shown in FIGS. 1-2. The slots 78 allow for the rotation of theplunger 36 to lock the reciprocating member 14 in a predeterminedposition to apply a constant negative pressure to growth factor startingmaterial in the chamber 22 to activate growth factors.

As shown in FIG. 5, the mount 70 is essentially a thin platform or basethat extends outwardly from the reservoir body 68. The mount 70stabilizes the reservoir 12 in an essentially vertical position to allowgrowth factor starting material to separate under the influence ofgravity.

The configuration and structure of the mount 70 are not critical, butthe mount 70 must provide sufficient surface for gripping the reservoir12, frictionally engaging the reservoir 12, holding the reservoir 12 ina stable or fixed position, or a combination thereof. As shown in FIG.5, preferably, a lower surface 82 of the mount 70 is essentially flat toprovide stability when placed on flat surfaces and the mount 70 isintegral to the body 68. Alternatively, the mount 70 is a separate piecethat includes locking means (not shown) that holds the body 68 in afixed position.

As shown in FIG. 4, the reservoir closed end portion includes an innersurface 84 that is positioned within the receptacle 72. The innersurface 84 contacts the recess 66 in the plunger tip 64 shown in FIGS.1-4 to minimize the volume of the chamber 22 before growth factorstarting material is injected therein.

In operation as shown in FIGS. 6-7, the extractor 10 is positioned in anessentially vertical position with the base 70 supporting the reservoir12 and the cap 16 removed from the throughbore 24. Growth factorstarting material is injected into the throughbore 24 and flows throughthe reciprocating member 14 into the reservoir chamber 22. The flow ofthe growth factor starting material into the chamber 22 raises thereciprocating member 14 with the tip 64 maintaining contact with a poolof the growth factor starting material.

Once the chamber 22 is full, the cap 16 is placed on the throughbore 24to seal the chamber 22. The handle 42 raises the plunger 36 to move thereciprocating member 14 within the reservoir receptacle 72. The movementof the reciprocating member 14 increases the volume of the chamber 22 tocreate negative pressure within the chamber 22.

The handle 42 moves the plunger 36 to a predetermined height. Once theplunder 36 reaches the predetermined height, the handle 42 rotates theplunger 36 to lock the reciprocating member 14 in a fixed position withthe locking mechanism 32 to fix the volume of the sealed chamber 22.Once the reciprocating member 14 is locked in place, the growth factorstarting material is subjected to a constant negative pressure or vacuumto produce activated growth factors.

The activated growth factors are produced from any suitable growthfactor starting material. Preferably, the growth factor startingmaterial includes platelets and plasma, so that the negative pressurewithin the chamber 22 separates or releases the growth factors from theplatelets in the growth factor starting material into the plasma. Theactivation process leaves the platelets intact.

Suitable growth factor starting materials include a composition ofplatelet rich plasma (PRP) and platelet poor plasma (PPP), as describedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,072 (hereinafter referred to as the '072 patent.The composition disclosed in the '072 patent is a 3:1 ratio of PRP toPPP.

Other exemplary platelet plasma products that are suitable for use withthe extractor 10 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,214,338, 6,010,627,5,165,928, 6,303,112, and 6,649,072. The more concentrated the plasma iswith platelets, the greater the concentration of growth factors that canbe obtained via the present invention.

The negative pressure created by the reciprocating member 14 pulls thegrowth factors out of the platelets and into the plasma. The separatedgrowth factors are mixed with a medium that is not destructive to thegrowth factors in a bioactive state to promote tissue growth. Theplatelets also remain for therapeutic use.

Optionally, the growth factor starting material is subjected togravitational separation within the chamber 22. The gravitationseparation process causes sedimentation to create multiple fractionswithin certain growth factor starting materials. Preferably, thegravitational separation occurs for at least 30 minutes or more.

Optionally, the growth factors are preserved for future bioactive use bypreservation methods, such as lyophilization, freeze drying andcryopreservation. For example, the resulting vacuumed plasma productcomprising growth factors and empty platelets are preserved viaconventional methods, such as lyophilization, freeze drying andcryopreservation. In this manner a shelf-stable product is produced thatis usable for several days or even months to years after preparation.When desired for use, the freeze-dried product is reconstituted withsterile 0.9% normal saline solution.

The growth factor starting material that includes the activated growthfactors may be used immediately or lyophilized or freeze dried forfuture use. In accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention, the activated growth factors are obtained from the extractedproduct using a 0.2 micron filter. The filtered composition containsgrowth factors substantially free of platelets, ghost platelets,bacteria, red blood cells, white blood cells, and cellular debris.

A preferred filter is one having a porosity of 0.2 microns or less. Byfiltering the vacuumed product, the released growth factors are free ofcellular debris, platelet membranes, ghost platelets, white blood cells,bacteria, and red blood cells.

Growth factors preserved as above described are reconstituted orhydrated in one method using sterile 0.9% normal saline solution. Thepreserved product is also reconstituted using deionized water, sterilewater, other liquid media or bodily fluids including, but not limitedto, plasma, hemo-concentrated plasma, whole blood, bone marrow aspirate,antibiotics or any combination thereof.

In another example of the present invention, 3 milliliters of thepreserved product containing about 70% growth factors is reconstitutedwith about 3 milliliters of 0.9% normal saline or similar liquid media,as discussed above. For wound healing purposes, a therapeuticallyeffective amount of the reconstituted product is applied topically tocover the wound. It may also be injected at a location of soft tissueinjury. Beyond wound healing, the fresh product and reconstitutedproduct is useful in medical research applications, such as culturingout stem cells. The reconstituted product may also be a liquid productcontaining protein-bound growth factors not previously lyophilized.

Prior to preserving the isolated growth factors, in another processvarious pharmaceutical agents are added to the composition. Preferably,these agents aid in the bioactivity of wound healing and in thetreatment/prevention of infection. The agents include antibiotics,antifungal agents, and the like. However, as known in the art, anynumber of other pharmaceutical agents may be employed. The quantity andtype of agent selected must be stable in such products and be capable ofwithstanding lyophilization and other methods of preserving the woundhealing product of the present invention.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a bodily fluid, suchas blood or an antibiotic, is used to reconstitute the final preservedproduct. This final product allows the clinician a wide berth of optionson how it is used. In another example, a practitioner adds bone marrowaspirate and stem cells to the final product so that the patient willachieve benefits from both therapies. Additionally, a practitioner canadminister the final product with an antibiotic solution at a specificanatomical site for wound healing and the like. Further, the lyophilizedfinal product and a thrombin solution are combined to initiate a clot tobe placed in a desired location to promote tissue growth.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-12, a series of steps for extracting PRPcontaining activated growth factors or cytokines from blood using theextractor 10 is illustrated. The extractor 10 is positioned in anessentially vertical position with the base 70 supporting the reservoir12. A syringe 86 is aligned essentially in an overlying relationshipwith extractor 10, while the cap 16 is removed from the throughbore 24.

As shown in FIG. 8, the syringe 86 includes a reservoir 88 having aninternal cavity 90 and a plunger 92. The plunger 92 inserts into thecavity 90 for reciprocal movement therein. The plunger 92 and thereservoir 88 define a chamber 94 for holding a quantity of blood forinjection into the extractor 10. Preferably, the quantity of blood isbetween 40 ml and 50 ml.

The syringe 86 connects to the luer lock in the handle center section 44to engage the extractor 10. The plunger 92 is depressed to force bloodto flow from the chamber 94 through the reservoir 88 into the inlet inthe throughbore 24.

As shown in FIG. 8, the blood flows along a flowpath through the handle42 and the plunger mechanism 34 to accumulate in the chamber 22. Theaccumulation of blood in the chamber 22 raises the reciprocating member14, as the tip 64 maintains contact with the blood. Once the chamber 22receives a predetermined amount of blood, the chamber 22 is sealed byplacing the cap 16 on the throughbore 24. Preferably, the reservoir 12includes a fill line indicating the preferred amount of blood that isused in the extraction process.

As shown in FIG. 9, the handle 42 is raised to increase the volume ofthe chamber 22. The handle 42 raises the plunger 36 to move thereciprocating member 14 within the reservoir receptacle 72. The movementof the reciprocating member 14 increases the volume of the chamber 22 tocreate negative pressure for application on the blood. The negativepressure separates growth factors from the platelets within the blood toproduce activated growth factors. The activated growth factors diffuseinto the blood plasma.

As shown in FIG. 10, the blood is held in the chamber 22 for apredetermined period of time to allow the blood to separate intofractions 96, 98 with the assistance of gravity. One of the fractions 96includes PRP and activated growth factors. The other fraction 98includes red blood cells and, optionally, activated growth factors. Thefractions 96, 98 have an essentially equal volume with the PRP fraction96 occupying from 40% to 60% of the volume and the red blood cellfraction 98 essentially occupying the remainder of the volume.

After the blood is sufficiently separated into the fractions 96, 98, thecap 16, shown in FIG. 8, is removed from the throughbore 24 to unsealthe chamber 22. The reciprocating member 14 is released to movedownwardly until the plunger tip 64 contacts the PRP fraction 96.

As shown in FIG. 11, a second syringe 100 is aligned in an overlyingrelation with the extractor 10. The syringe 100 connects to the luerlock within the handle center section 44. The handle 42 is depressed toreduce the volume of the chamber 22 to force the PRP and activatedgrowth factors in the fraction 96 to flow through the throughbore 22into the syringe 100. The configuration of the recess 66 on the plungertip 64 directs the PRP into the throughbore 22 to prevent or to minimizethe amount of the red blood cell fraction 98 that re-mixes with the PRPfraction 96.

As shown in FIG. 11, the syringe 100 continues to fill with the PRP andthe activated growth factors in the fraction 96 until a predeterminedquantity is obtained. Once the syringe 100 is sufficiently full, thesyringe 100 disconnects from the extractor 10. A quantity of 3 ml of thePRP fraction 96 can be obtained in as little as 10 min. utilizing thismethod.

As shown in FIG. 12, the fraction 98 that includes the red blood cellsand, optionally, a quantity of activated growth factors, remains in thechamber 22. Preferably, the fraction 98 is discarded. Optionally, thefraction 98 is extracted for use in wound treatment.

As shown in FIGS. 8-12, the extractor 10 is provided in a kit in anassembled or partially assembled form with the reservoir 12, thereciprocating member 14, and the cap 16. Optionally, the kit includesthe syringes 86, 100.

The reservoir 12, the reciprocating member 14, and the cap 16 are formedfrom any suitable material utilizing any suitable fabrication ormanufacturing process. All of the components must include, at least, oneor more surfaces that are physiologically compatible with one or more ofthe growth factor starting materials. Preferably, the reservoir 12, thereciprocating member 14, and the cap 16 are formed from plastic with thereservoir 12 including a transparent or translucent portion tofacilitate the viewing of the growth factor starting material in thereceptacle 72. Preferably, the plastic includes polypropylene that hasbeen approved for use in medical devices by the Federal DrugAdministration.

It should be understood that while the preferred embodiment isillustrated with a throughbore that serves as a single inlet for growthfactor starting material and an outlet for extracting activated growthfactors, alternate embodiments are contemplated in which the extractorincludes an inlet for receiving the growth factor starting material thatis separate from an outlet for extracting the activated growth factorstarting material. Alternate embodiments are also contemplated in whicha tube that is made from flexible or rigid material extends from thehandle to the plunger tip in place of the throughbore that extendsthrough the reciprocating member.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, we have explainedthe principle, preferred construction and mode of operation of ourinvention and have illustrated and described what we now consider torepresent its best embodiments. However, it should be understood that,within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practicedotherwise than as specifically illustrated and described.

We claim:
 1. A method for obtaining activated growth factors comprisingthe steps of: positioning a reciprocating member in an open end of areservoir to form a chamber below the reciprocating member within thereservoir, injecting growth factor starting material into the chamber,sealing the chamber after the growth factor starting material isinjected into the chamber, moving the reciprocating member in thereservoir to a position to increase the volume of the chamber to createnegative pressure for application on the growth factor starting materialto produce activated growth factors therein, and extracting activatedgrowth factors from the chamber.
 2. A method as set forth in claim 1which includes: allowing the growth factor starting material to separateinto fractions before extracting activated growth factors from thechamber.
 3. A method as set forth in claim 1 which includes: supportingthe reservoir in a fixed vertical position to facilitate gravitationalseparation of the activated growth factors within the growth factorstarting material.
 4. A method as set forth in claim 1 which includes:injecting growth factor starting material in an inlet of a boreextending through the reciprocating member into the chamber, sealing theinlet to the reciprocating member after the growth factor startingmaterial is injected into the chamber, and applying negative pressure tothe growth factor starting material after the chamber is sealed torelease growth factors from the growth factor starting material.
 5. Amethod as set forth in claim 1 which includes: locking the reciprocatingmember in a fixed position in the reservoir after the reciprocatingmember is moved to fix the volume of the sealed chamber and applyingnegative pressure to the growth factor starting material.
 6. A method asset forth in claim 1 which includes: selectively separating a fractionof the growth factor starting material that contains activated growthfactors therein.